“What?” I’m dumbfounded, wondering what’s going on.
She shakes her head, putting her fingers on her temples, closing her eyes tight. “It… it sought a new host when he died… and it found you. But it cannot control you… yet. It’s waiting.”
“What do you mean? When who died?” My breath picks up. Could she mean Pierce?
She shakes her head, “I do not know the answers, but my wards can’t hold it for long. You have to go.” She stands up, grabbing me by my arm. I barely have time to snatch my backpack before she ushers me out the door. “I’m sorry, I cannot be of more help. Seek out the Knox that resides on Gallows Hill.”
“What?” I try to ask, but she’s closed the door, flipping the open sign to say closed.
Seek out the Knox that resides on Gallows Hill? I didn’t even know what that means. I let out a sigh, it looks like I will have to talk to my family after all.
ChapterTwenty-Six
EMMET
SONG: I’M AFRAID I’LL GO TO HEAVEN BY MOON WALKER
Iwalk back onto the Kildale Academy Campus with an extra pep in my step. I have a meeting this morning with the new headmaster, and he was keen on finishing what his predecessor had started. Leighton Ledger himself had made sure I wouldn’t be touched upon my arrival, talking directly to the Lust that resides inside Lukas.
The demons were becoming stronger with each day that passed.
Lukas had been planning to enact a poorly plotted attempt at revenge on myself and our fathers. Lucky for us, the demons were on our side, wanting so desperately to be unleashed. I was happy to do my part in exchange for a long healthy life full of riches. People would do far worse for less than what I bargained for.
Those fools running Hell House had no idea what was in store for them now that the veil had cracked from Salem’s touch.
A few of the strongest souls had already slipped through.
Now, we just needed her to finish opening it completely.
I wonder what angle I can play here, wondering if I can manage to make her trust me again after everything that happened. I reason that I did it before, and I can do it again.
The only loose end was not knowing where the head demon was hiding. Once the headmaster was killed, the demon should have entered another body, but we haven’t heard anything from him since that day.
I wonder if he was pulled back into the veil, weakened and not able to escape the wardens that patrolled the halls of Purgatory. It was certainly a possibility.
I enter the headmaster’s office and notice the attempt at redecorating immediately.
“Headmaster Hart.”
“Ah, Emmet. Right on time.” He shakes my hand vigorously. “Sit, sit. What do you think?” He asks, gesturing to the room.
“Looks great, sir.”
“The old man was a real gem, but god he had no taste. I couldn’t stand it for another second. I’m glad the society could sort out that mess with the police for you.” His smile lacks any warmth, but I know how to play this game. I mimic his smile and posture, sliding easily into old habits.
“You did a phenomenal job, sir. And I’m grateful for the society’s help.”
“Yes, well, thank you. Now, I expect that you’re ready to get back to your life here. Classes and Fraternity duties and all that.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I expect that we might have some opposition upon your return to the house, so I’ve made some provisions to ensure the transition goes smoothly.”
A knock comes from the door and Headmaster Hart asks whoever it is on the other side to come in.
“Ah, Salem. I trust you know Emmet?”
Salem’s posture looks like she’s ready to clock me across the face. Her shoulders are almost up to her ears with how shocked she is at seeing me sitting here.
